How To Structure A 'time Out' For You And Your Spouse

What is a 'time-out' and how should my spouse and I structure one?

A time-out is a scheduled break that you agree upon with your partner ahead of time, so that if stuff starts coming up or you get stuck or you're about to get angry, you can say, "Okay, time-out," and create a little separation. The best way to structure a time-out is to sit down with your partner and create a word that means time-out. You can use time-out, or it could be something humorous like spaghetti or something that has nothing to do with the heat of what the potential moment can be. You create your word or use time-out, whatever you want, but talk about what it means. Is it a five minute break? Is it a ten minute break? Decide how long it will be that you guys separate, and do your own thing. Get realigned with your self. Figure out what it is you want because you promise to return. When someone calls a time-out in marriage communication, it's respected immediately. Everything stops, but you also know in a certain amount of minutes, you're going to return and try again.